How to Cook a Chuck Roast

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: April 9, 2020 References Tested

Chuck roast is a thick cut of meat that comes from the shoulder of the cow. It has a rich, delicious flavor that makes it a classic dish for a home-cooked meal. Prep, season, and brown your meat over a stove for a juicy, soft roast. For tender, pull-apart meat, you can either slow cook or oven cook the roast.

Ingredients

3–4 pounds (1.4–1.8 kg) chuck roast
4 tablespoons (59 mL) olive oil
2 onions, peeled and chopped
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 fl oz (30 mL) dry onion soup seasoning mix
Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Seasoning and Browning the Roast

1
Season the chuck roast with salt, pepper, and paprika. Place the chuck roast on a flat surface and season the top liberally with an even mixture of salt, pepper, and paprika. Flip the chuck roast over and season the bottom side as well, leaving the sides bare.
- If the chuck roast is frozen, defrost it in your fridge or microwave before cooking it.
- Leave the seasoned chuck roast in your fridge overnight for a stronger flavor.
2
Chop and season the vegetables. Chop the onions, carrots, and potatoes and place them in an airtight zip-top plastic bag. Add 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of olive oil and the dry onion soup mix to the bag and shake to coat the vegetables in the seasoning.^{[1]
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- For a milder seasoning, you can toss the vegetables with a mix of salt and pepper instead.
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3
Heat 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of olive oil in a skillet. Place a skillet over your stove and turn it to medium heat. Coat the skillet in the remaining 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of olive oil and let the pan heat up until the surface begins to crackle.^{[2]
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- Choose an oven-safe skillet if you plan to bake your chuck roast so you can put it directly in the oven.
4
Brown the roast on each side for 4-5 minutes. Place the roast in the pan and sear the bottom side for 4-5 minutes or until it turns brown, Then, flip the roast over and sear the other side for 4-5 minutes or until it browns as well.^{[3]
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- This will create a crust over the roast that helps keep in moisture and flavor while you cook it.
- At this stage, the center of the chuck roast will still be raw. You will cook the entire roast by baking or slow cooking it later on.
5
Remove the chuck roast and place it on a plate. Remove the seared chuck roast from the skillet and set it on a plate. If you won't be finishing the roast in the oven or slow cooker within 2 hours, wrap it in tin foil and put it in the fridge
- Do not leave the chuck roast out at room temperature for any longer than 2 hours to prevent food poisoning.^{[4]
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6
Saute the chopped vegetables for 5-10 minutes. Place the chopped vegetables in the skillet for about 5-10 minutes or until the onions become translucent, and the carrots and potatoes have a softer texture.^{[5]
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- Like the roast, the vegetables will have more time to cook thoroughly while you bake or slow cook them.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Finishing the Roast in the Oven

1
Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C). While searing your chuck roast, turn on your oven so it has time to heat up before you cook the meat. Try to preheat the oven at least 30 minutes before you cook the roast so it reaches 350 °F (177 °C) when your roast is ready to bake.^{[6]
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- You can use a slow cooker instead of an oven for a juicier, more tender roast. Keep in mind, however, that slow cooking meats may take several hours longer.
2
Cover the chuck roast and vegetables in tin foil. Place your chuck roast and vegetables in a baking pan or oven-safe skillet. Cover the top of the chuck roast and vegetables in tin foil, pressing the ends of the foil with your fingers to secure it tightly on top.^{[7]
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- Make sure your skillet is oven-safe before you cover it in tin foil. Not every skillet is oven-safe, and you may ruin your chuck roast if you use the wrong skillet.
- You can also put your chuck roast in a dutch oven as an alternative to covering a pan in tin foil.
3
Bake your chuck roast in the oven for 3-4 hours. Set the pan or skillet in the oven and close the door, setting a timer for 3 1/2 hours. Take the roast out of the oven when the meat browns and develops a tender, pull-apart texture.^{[8]
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- Use a meat thermometer to make sure the roast is done cooking before you take it out. To prevent foodborne illnesses, the center of the roast should reach at least 145 °F (63 °C).^{[9]
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4
Remove the chuck roast from the oven and let it cool, then serve. Take the pan or skillet out of the oven and set it on the stove top. Let the chuck roast rest, covered, for 30 minutes and then serve alongside the potatoes and vegetables.
- This lets the juices redistribute throughout the roast so the end result is a softer, more flavorful piece of meat.
- When removing the tin foil, turn your face away to shield it from the hot steam emitting from the roast.^{[10]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using a Slow Cooker Instead

1
Add the roast and vegetables to the slow cooker. Set the roast in the slow cooker and arrange the vegetables around the sides. Slice or cut any larger vegetable pieces that you notice into smaller, bite-sized pieces to help the vegetables roast evenly in the slow cooker.^{[11]
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2
Cover the chuck roast and cook for 4-8 hours. Place the slow cooker lid over the roast and turn the slow cooker to low or high. Depending on which setting you choose, cook the chuck roast for the following time:^{[12]
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- Low: 6-8 hours
- High: 3-4 hours
3
Let the chuck roast cool and serve immediately. When the slow cooker's timer goes off, open the slow cooker's lid while turning your face away to shield it from steam emitting from the roast. Arrange portion-sized sections of the roast and vegetables on plates and serve while the roast is still warm.^{[13]
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- To prevent food poisoning, use a meat thermometer to make sure the center of the roast reaches at least 145 °F (63 °C).^{[14]
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Community Q&A

Question

Can you cook a chuck roast without vegetables?

Community Answer

Yes. Cook the same as the recipe with vegetables with a can or two of beef broth (depending on how much gravy you might want to make). Use at least one can even if not making gravy.
Question

Can I dry roast a small, 2lb. Roast in the oven with a little beef broth to make gravy?

Community Answer

Cheaper cuts are better "wet roasted" (with broth or stock) since they need the moisture to become tender. This method is easier for beginners to help ensure that the final result is not tough or dry.
Question

Can I use a pressure cooker?

Community Answer

Yes, follow the manufacturers guidelines. The cook time will be greatly reduced: However, there is an increased risk that the roast will fall apart.

Warnings

The cooking times in this recipe are for a 3–4 pounds (1.4–1.8 kg) chuck roast. If your chick roast is larger or smaller, your cooking time may vary.

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Wash your hands before and after cooking with raw beef to prevent food poisoning.^{[16]
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